In the technologically connected world we live in today, it is hard to imagine that home video game systems as we know them today are only 30 years old. Atari whet appetites for digital competition with Space Invaders and Centipede, while Nintendo's character-driven worlds of fantastic enemies trying to kill you cemented the world's love of computerized combat for all time. Now, as the first generation of super soldiers reaches adulthood, with homes and kids of their own, room décor designers are tapping into video game nostalgia with retro video game wall decals and home goods.
From cushion covers to custom wall stickers, popular video games have not only landed on adult home décor items but also on children's décor items, helping parents introduce a new generation of kids to early video games. Is your favorite game available today?
Tetris: As digitally simple as pong, as maddeningly frustrating as Donkey Kong but more popular than either one, Tetris became a game not only for hardcore gamers but for your mom and little sister as well. Like many of the world's best strategy games, it took a minute to learn but a lifetime to master. Tetris has lived on on smartphones and portable gaming devices, making those falling blocks perfect for children's rooms in the form of wall decals and other items.
Space Invaders: As one of the earliest console-style games, Space Invaders pitted joystick jockeys against each other in a battle for high-score dominance. Now, those creepy creatures inching ever faster toward your starship come home. The 2-bit alien enemies make a great addition to canvas bags, cushion covers and even wall coverings.
Pac Man: When gamers think of the first character-driven, level game, Super Mario is the first to come to mind. But Pac Man's pebble-eating, ghost grabbing semi-circle started the trend, with a series of ever-challenging mazes full of ghouls and fun prizes. For his trouble, he has never left the public lexicon, still gracing smartphones, portable gaming devices and every piece of merchandise imaginable. But Pac Man's child-friendly smile and colorful ghosts not only make for great gifts and adult items but also can brighten a child's room with wall decals and artwork, reminding them that no ghosts under the bed will get them with Pac Man standing guard.